Background
O'Rourke, Edward William was born on October 31, 1917 in Downs, Illinois, United States. Son of Martin and Mary (Hickey) O'R.
O'Rourke, Edward William was born on October 31, 1917 in Downs, Illinois, United States. Son of Martin and Mary (Hickey) O'R.
Student, St. Henry's College, Belleville, Illinois, 1935-1938; Bachelor of Arts, St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein, Illinois, 1940; Master of Arts, St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein, Illinois, 1942; Licentiate of Sacred Theology, St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein, Illinois, 1944; Licentiate of Philosophy, Aquinas Institute, River Forest, Illinois, 1960.
Ordained priest, Roman Catholic Church, 1944; bishop, Roman Catholic Church, 1971; assistant chaplain, Newman Foundation, University of Illinois, 1944-1959; executive director, National Catholic Rural Life Conference, Des Moines, 1960-1971; bishop of, Peoria, Illinois, since 1971. Director refugee resettlement Diocese of Peoria, 1948-1959. Chairman arbitration committee National Conference Catholic Bishops, 1973-1976.
Chairman priorities committee Peoria United Fund, 1972-1973. Board directors International Volunteer Services, 1960-1971. Trustee Catholic Relief Services, 1978-1980.
Chairman board American College Louvain, 1977-1980. Member of Knights of Columbus (4 degree).